FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in Lier, Belgium.
Excitement for the future of show jumping has grown, following the display of exceptional talent at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in Lier, Belgium.
The pony teams competing for glory were Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden, and The Netherlands.
Great Britain emerged victorious with an impressive performance, finishing with just one fault across the entire three rounds of jumping. This victory follows their success at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies. Ireland claimed silver, and Belgium were third.
The Netherlands were fourth after a shaky start. First rider Bethany Vos and third rider Mienie Vos had expensive rounds with 23 and 10 penalties respectively – putting one of the favourite teams out of medal contention.
The Swiss team had an unlucky day with an elimination and two disappointing rounds putting them on a final score of 24, at the bottom of the table. The Irish, having won the competition four times in the past, were hoping to add a fifth gold medal to their tally. Their six penalty score, however, ruled that out.
Belgium, Austria, the USA, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland competed in the young rider category of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final, with Belgium crowned after a three-way jump off for the podium positions with each team’s total points and time counting towards the win.
The Austrians were at a disadvantage with only three riders throughout the day. Despite that, they managed to advance to the jump-off, but faced immense pressure without a discard score when it reached the second round. Belgium’s Mathieu Guery set the tone for the jump off with a clear round on Callac de Cyrmanol, helping his country to a third win at home in Lier for the Young Rider FEI Nations Cup Final.
Antonia Weixelbraun of Austria clocked up a fast round with four penalties. Both the Belgian and Italian teams had three clear rounds on the board by the conclusion of the jump off, automatically putting Austria into bronze medal position. Italy’s final combination Martina Simoni and Dalvaro 2, delivered a collected and well-ridden round without a pole, but weren’t fast enough to match the pace, meaning Italy had to settle for silver.
Katie Gilmour is the host of Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco: the podcast for riders that love to train, laugh and drink Prosecco! The podcast is free to listen to on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. The podcast lands with new episodes every Friday.
Feature image: Ponies Team Podium, GBR, Whitaker Claire, Gerken Hollie, Rogers Sophia, Allshop Maisie, Kerr Cate, Lucy Capper, IRL, Derwin James, Flynn Charlie, Boland Annie, Reape Senan, BEL, Vermeir Robin, Lux Clémentine, de Schrijver Aurfe, de Waele Thibault, Thirion EliseFEI Jumping Nations CupTM Youth Final 2024Azelhof – Lier 2024© Hippo Foto Media – Dirk Caremans15/09/2024
Katie is a Webby and ESMA award winning multi-media journalist with an equestrian focus. She hosts the podcast Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco, which is free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Katie lives on her family farm in West Sussex with her husband, four children and an assortment of horses, ponies, dogs, cats and poultry.